Time for trade talk to turn into action at NHL draft

Paul Stastny has fielded 'lots' of calls since teams were allowed to start talking to potential free agents Wednesday. Many believe St. Louis is a natural fit if the centre doesn't stay in Colorado. (AFP)

Bruce Garrioch, QMI Agency

We’ve heard, seen and been through this before, just last summer in fact. Big names available at the NHL entry draft and then few deals materialize when push comes to shove.

Round 1 is scheduled for Friday night at the Wells Fargo Center and the rest will take place Saturday.

“There is a lot out there and there are a lot of teams talking,” said a league executive Wednesday. “We’ll find in the next couple of days which teams really want to make moves and which are kicking tires. It should be interesting.

“There are as many names out there as we’ve heard in years. Teams want to make changes.”

If you listen to the chatter, everybody will be active. The Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks all want to make moves after missing the post-season.